Gardasil
This is a big breakthrough for women's health and for cancer prevention.
--Anne Schuchat, MD, National Center for
Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases

Investigators took a swing at the human papilloma virus (HPV), and now their best shot is on the market.

Yesterday, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend Gardasil, a vaccine against the strains of HPV most commonly at the root of cervical cancer, as part of routine care for girls 11 and 12. In addition, they issued guidelines for girls and women between 13 and 26 to receive the shot as a 'catch-up' immunization.

For more information on the viral/cancer connection, see
The Human Papilloma Virus vs. The Cervix.